“Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding..”
William Paul Thurston
At John Scurr we provide the children with a rich and balanced mathematics curriculum that develops their fluency, reasoning and problem solving. We strive to ensure that all children achieve high standards in mathematics and develop confidence and positive attitudes to the subject. We intend the children to see mathematics as relevant in their daily lives and how their skills will support them in the future.
We plan, teach and assess to enable children to:
- develop positive attitudes about mathematics
- understand mathematical concepts deeply
- recall and apply their knowledge rapidly
- reason and problem solve by applying their knowledge to increasingly complex problems
- build on prior mathematical knowledge and understanding
- develop as independent learners who respond to challenge with vigor
- find connections between mathematical ideas.
- use and apply their mathematical skills in other curricular areas.
- Explain their ideas and thinking using mathematical language
How Children Learn
At John Scurr, maths is taught using a mastery approach. Lessons are planned using high quality resources from White Rose and the NCETM. The Mastering Number programme is used in Reception and Key Stage 1. This ensures we have a well-constructed, progressive curriculum and maintains focus on children learning in small steps and exploring topics deeply. Lessons consist of opportunities for fluency, variation of representation and mathematical thinking. All children use manipulatives and pictorial representations to expose and make connections within concepts. At John Scurr, we emphasise the importance pupils’ oral contributions and ensure that all children can contribute. Mathematical vocabulary is displayed and modeled and key questions and sentence starters support and challenge learners.
Freckle, Numbots, Arithmagicians and Times Table Rockstars online programmes are used to support maths learning both in school and at home.
We offer a strong Professional Development offer to our staff including workgroups and training from the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM). We also offer professional development for a group of schools in the local area, supporting their teachers in the delivery of mathematics for mastery.
Cross-Curricular Links
Opportunities to practise, apply and develop mathematical understanding are provided across the curriculum. Opportunities are given to contextualize mathematical learning by linking it to the wider CUSP curriculum particularly within science, computing and design and technology.
Maths is celebrated across the school during National Numeracy week, where we celebrate mathematics in the world around us and have corporate visitors, who share their own maths stories. Mathematical enrichment aims to inspire children to be ambitious about their futures and helps them see how maths is applicable in all areas of their lives.
Support
Additional support is given to children who need it to enable them access the maths curriculum. Intervention groups are adapted to the needs of the children and may take place during maths lessons or in addition to them. We have access to additional online tutors, AI tutoring platforms as well as after school, small group readiness sessions led by teaching and support staff.